Description

### **Murder by Decree (1979) – Blu-ray Edition**

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### **Technical Specifications:**

– **Video:**
– Codec: MPEG-4 AVC
– Resolution: 1080p (2K Blu-ray)
– Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Original Aspect Ratio)
– Source: Original camera negative, restored in 4K (Presented in 1080p)

– **Audio:**
– English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
– English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

– **Subtitles:**
– English SDH

– **Disc:**
– Blu-ray (BD-50, Single disc)

– **Playback:**
– Region A (Locked)
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### **Synopsis:**
In *Murder by Decree* (1979), Sherlock Holmes (Christopher Plummer) and Dr. Watson (James Mason) investigate the brutal Jack the Ripper murders that are terrorizing London’s East End. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a conspiracy involving high-ranking government officials and a royal scandal that threatens to shake the very foundations of British society. With time running out, Holmes must navigate political corruption, secret societies, and personal danger to save Annie Crook and her friend Mary Kelly from becoming the next victims. Featuring a cast of legendary actors, including Donald Sutherland, Geneviève Bujold, John Gielgud, and David Hemmings, this suspenseful thriller seamlessly blends historical fact with classic detective storytelling.

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### **Special Features and Extras:**
– **Audio Commentaries:**
– Archival commentary featuring director Bob Clark
– New commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell

– **Featurettes:**
– *Sherlock Holmes Meets Jack the Ripper* – Analyzing the fusion of historical events and detective fiction
– *Behind the Fog: Filming Murder by Decree* – Interviews with cast and crew, exploring the film’s production and historical context

– **Archival Footage and Trailers:**
– Original theatrical trailer
– Additional trailers from Kino Lorber’s catalog

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### **Performance and Quality:**

**Video Quality (3.5/5):**
– The 1080p transfer, sourced from the 4K restoration of the original camera negative, offers improved image clarity, color accuracy, and density levels compared to previous Blu-ray releases. However, grain correction and noise reduction have resulted in occasional anomalies, particularly in darker scenes, causing some loss of detail. Overall, the presentation is a noticeable upgrade despite these imperfections.

**Audio Quality (4.5/5):**
– Both the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono and 5.1 surround tracks deliver clear dialogue, immersive sound effects, and a well-balanced score. The 5.1 mix expands the soundstage, enhancing the film’s atmospheric soundtrack, while the 2.0 Mono track preserves the original audio experience for purists.

**Special Features (3.5/5):**
– With insightful commentaries, engaging featurettes, and archival materials, this release provides a solid selection of extras that offer valuable context and behind-the-scenes insights into the film’s production and historical background.

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### **Overall Score: 4/5**
*Murder by Decree* is a masterfully crafted thriller that combines historical intrigue with classic detective storytelling. This Blu-ray release, sourced from a new 4K restoration, delivers improved video and audio quality, despite minor imperfections. With a robust selection of special features and stylish packaging, this edition is a must-have for fans of Sherlock Holmes and period thrillers. Highly recommended.